Typhoon jets from RAF Lossiemouth have been scrambled to monitor Russian air activity near the UK.

The quick reaction alert (QRA) aircraft took off in response to a suspected Russian plane heading towards British airspace in the latest example of the tensions between the West and Moscow.

An RAF spokesman confirmed the Typhoons had taken off, but the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said they had not intercepted the aircraft.

A Royal Air Force spokesman said:“We can confirm that quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth scrambled this morning, this is a live operation and therefore we will not be providing any additional information until the mission is complete .”

The unidentified Russian plane was on a course towards the UK from the north, where it has been monitored by other Nato allies.

An RAF spokesman said: “We can confirm that quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth scrambled this morning, this is a live operation and therefore we will not be providing any additional information until the mission is complete.”

An MoD spokesman said: “We have got jets up in the air monitoring the situation but we have not intercepted anything.”

Russian military activity near the UK in recent months has seen a series of planes scrambled and warships diverted to monitor naval vessels.

On January 8 it was reported HMS Westminster, a Portsmouth-based Type 23 frigate, was tasked to intercept two of Vladimir Putin’s warships and two supporting vessels as they passed close to UK waters.